"Being scared is not pathetic. Fear is a human emotion." He explained, "You even I fear somethings at sometimes. But then, I try to fight it. Fighting and overcoming fear is the only way to get rid of fear."

Remembering his words, she felt a little brave.

"I am scared, yes, but I know, there is nothing to be scared of.
I have learnt to fight from the greatest warriors.
And it is not like an entire Army is waiting outside to kill me." She spoke to herself, building courage in her mind.

It might seem funny seeing the once Empress of Aryavart, scared, but the fact that a thirteen year old was alone in the forest, building up courage in such was applaudable.

'knock' she heard the main door.

"Rama Rama." She chanted the name of Supreme God, after all what fear can his name not eradicate? Which fear could stand against Rama Naam?

She peeked from the side window, and saw an old man, his head www bleeding severely and there were numerous wounds on his body.

He was armed with a sword, and looked like he barely had strength to even stand.

Shubhangini looked around to see if anyone else was there. She found none.

She knew she had to help the man, thus with good intentions she opened the door and bought the man in. Once inside, she immediately closed the door back and made him sit.

She ran inside one of the huts to bring the medical kit. She may not be as knowledgeable as the Madreya twins in medicine, but she had good amount of knowledge.

She came back to front only to find the old man missing. She frowned, where did he go?

She looked around for her spear, now sensing danger. She kept the medical down and held the weapon.

"Where are you?" She asked in a loud and clear manner.

Getting no response, she started to walk around looking for him.

Suddenly the man came in front of her, but now he looked different. He looked much younger and fine, there were no wounds on his body.

Shubhangini felt a negative vibe coming from him. Calculating the previous encounter and now his appearance and his environment, she concluded he was an illusory being.

His intentions didn't appear good to her. She asked him, "Who are you?"

The man merely laughed, "I was hungry and I smelt food. But you are too small for my appetite." The ugly man spoke.

'Ok, no worries, he is just here to eat me.' She tried to encourage herself, 'He can't kill me if I kill him first.' She thought.

"Do not mess with me, I'll skin you alive." She threatened.

The man merely laughed and extended his hand, using his powers he summoned the spear from her hands making her unarmed.

"This is what you can do?" He chuckled.

"Oh Keshav," Came out her mouth subconsciously.

She didn't remember that he had once promised to come whenever she would call, to answer all quarrels whenever she was in trouble.

But he did, as the unknown man advanced towards her, she gulped, he was definitely stronger and more well built, the only time she could win against was if she used her small figure and would have a perfect strategy.

She sat down on her knees sobbing, "Please dont kill me."

The man merely chuckled, "I'll eat you alive little girl." And that was his fault, underestimating his enemy.

He had dropped her spear, which he had summoned earlier, and the spear was rested near his feet.

She acted like touching her head near his feet but in reality, she bent and took the spear and wasted no time in stabbing him.

While doing so, she missed the crucial point and stabbed him in stomach, a little above his stomach would have been more fatal, but given the circumstances, she couldn't have done any better.

She tried to stab him again, but the man overpowered her and literally threw her away. He clutched his wound and advanced towards her with intention to kill her.

But before he could even touch her, a divine and powerful chakra came and beheaded him instance.

Shubhangini looked around to see Krishna standing behind him, there was anger in his eyes.

"Madhav" She sighed in relief seeing him.

"Krishnaa" He spoke unknowingly.

»»--------------------------««

What is the significance of that ugly man here?
Guess....

And why do you think Krishna is here?

And most importantly, are you ready for Agyatvaas?